76ers’ Joel Embiid Praised By Nick Nurse After Season Opener

The Philadelphia 76ers secured a crucial opening-night victory against their rival, the Boston Celtics, starting their season on a positive note. The win was powered by stellar play from rising star Tyrese Maxey and an explosive debut from rookie VJ Edgecombe. However, the team’s cornerstone, Joel Embiid, was largely a non-factor, finishing with just four points on 1-for-9 shooting in 20 minutes of play.

Following the game, head coach Nick Nurse’s comments were surprisingly positive, sparking a fascinating question: can this version of the 76ers still be a legitimate contender if their MVP-caliber center is playing a supporting role? This article will dive into Nurse’s assessment, Embiid’s quiet night, and what it all means for Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.

Nurse’s “Silly” Praise For Joel Embiid and the Bigger Picture

Despite Embiid’s stat line reading more like a role player’s than a superstar’s, Nick Nurse was quick to defend his franchise player. “I’m super happy he was out there,” Nurse said post-game. “I think that he played good. I know that’s going to sound silly, one for nine. He just didn’t shoot it very good.”

Nurse elaborated on the aspects of Embiid’s game that didn’t show up in the box score but were crucial to the team’s success. “I thought he transferred the ball good. I thought he made some good decisions. I thought he took good shots. I thought he protected the rim.”

This perspective offers a glimpse into the new philosophy Nurse is implementing in Philadelphia. In past seasons, the offense was often defined by Embiid’s dominance, running through him in the post with a methodical, “process-driven” approach. A night where Embiid shot poorly almost certainly meant a loss. Yet, in this game, the Sixers won precisely because other players stepped up to fill the void. Nurse’s praise suggests an appreciation for Embiid’s willingness to facilitate and contribute defensively, even when his own offense isn’t clicking.

The context of Embiid’s health is also critical. He was not expected to play on opening night, having missed most of the preseason while recovering from a lingering leg injury. He is still on a load management plan, and rust was inevitable. “He hasn’t done much, right?” Nurse acknowledged. “I think there’s some rust there, but I thought he was moving good and made good decisions, which is really positive.”

The Emergence of a New-Look Offense

While Embiid struggled, the rest of the team thrived. Tyrese Maxey continued his ascent to stardom, and the newly acquired Paul George provided a steady veteran presence. The real story of the night, however, was VJ Edgecombe. The rookie put on a historic performance, demonstrating that the Sixers may have landed another star to build around.

This balanced attack is a significant departure from previous years. The 76ers showed they could generate offense from multiple sources, playing with a pace and flow that didn’t solely depend on Embiid isolating on the block. They weathered his off-night and still managed to defeat one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. This raises a compelling question: is this a sustainable model for success?

For years, the debate in Philadelphia has centered on whether the team has put enough talent around Embiid to get over the hump. The opening night win suggests a different possibility. Perhaps the key isn’t just surrounding Embiid with talent, but empowering that talent to win even when Embiid isn’t playing like an MVP.

The Verdict: Can This Team Be Good if Embiid Isn’t a Superstar?

The answer is complicated. On one hand, the season opener was an encouraging sign. It proved that the supporting cast of Maxey, George, and Edgecombe has the firepower to carry the team on any given night. If Embiid can accept a role as a high-level facilitator and defensive anchor on nights when his shot isn’t falling, the Sixers become a much more dynamic and unpredictable team. This versatility could be a major asset, especially in the playoffs when opposing defenses are designed to take away a team’s primary option.

On the other hand, it’s unrealistic to expect the 76ers to make a deep playoff run without Joel Embiid playing at a superstar level. The team’s ceiling is, and will continue to be, tied to his health and performance. While the supporting cast can win regular-season games, defeating the elite teams in the league over a seven-game series will require the dominant, two-way force that Embiid is at his best. His ability to draw double-teams, get to the free-throw line, and protect the rim is what elevates the 76ers from a good team to a great one.

The opener provided a blueprint for how the Sixers can survive and even thrive during Embiid’s load management days or off-nights. It showed that the team’s floor is significantly higher than it has been in the past. However, their championship ceiling still rests squarely on the shoulders of their superstar center.

The real test will come when adversity strikes. For now, a win over the Celtics has bought the team patience. But if losses begin to mount or Embiid’s “rust” persists, the pressure in Philadelphia will build quickly. Nick Nurse’s optimistic outlook is a positive step, but ultimately, the 76ers will only go as far as Joel Embiid can carry them. The hope is that this year, he won’t have to carry them alone.